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Instant Pot Rocky Road Fudge

Name: Instant Pot Rocky Road Fudge
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 31 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Granulated Sugar; 1/3 cup Water; 1 stick Butter (room temperature); 2 cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips; 1 cup Dry Milk Powder; 2 cups Mini-Marshmallows; 1/2 cup Diced Walnuts

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There is nothing better than Fudge. I mean, come on, it’s fantastic. Today, I made a simple batch of Instant Pot Rocky Road Fudge, and it’s easy and delicious.

Suppose you have not made fudge in your Instant Pot. I am telling you, it’s simple. I started making it in 2018, and it’s one of the best things I have ever made.

Now, if you do not like chocolate fudge stuffed with peanuts and marshmallows, you will not like this recipe. Rocky Road Fudge is my family’s favorite; trust me, buying a pound of it is costly. I am so armed with my Instant Pot. I made a quick batch, and it was amazing!

What Is Rocky Road Fudge?

Rocky Road Fudge is a chocolate fudge filled with nuts and mini marshmallows. You can use whatever nuts you want. The most common nuts to use are diced pecans or walnuts.

Ingredients Needed For Instant Pot Rocky Road Fudge

Today, we used only a few ingredients to make a sweet and delicious Instant Pot Rocky Road Fudge:

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

Sugar: Sugar is the primary sweetener in fudge, providing sweetness and contributing to its smooth texture when melted.
Water
Butter: Butter adds richness and creaminess to the fudge while helping to bind the ingredients together for a decadent treat.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips add indulgent chocolate flavor and melt smoothly into the fudge mixture.
Dry Milk Powder: Dry milk powder enriches the fudge’s flavor and texture, adding a subtle creaminess and depth of flavor reminiscent of traditional fudge recipes.
Mini marshmallows: Mini marshmallows are folded into the fudge, creating pockets of softness and adding a classic rocky road texture.
Chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans): Chopped nuts provide a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor, enhancing the texture and taste of the fudge.

Why Is It Called Rocky Road Fudge?

The fudge is said to be called Rocky Road after the 1929 crash when William Dreyer came up with the name.

Dreyer was the owner of Dreyer’s Ice Cream and came up with the flavor of the ice cream, and obviously, Rocky Road has gone on to be used in everything sweet, from Cheesecakes to Fudge and, of course, ice cream.

How To Make Rocky Road Fudge In The Instant Pot

Follow the simple steps to make a batch of Pressure Cooker Fudge.

Add water and sugar to the Instant Pot Bowl; this will be your simple sugar. Add the lid, and set manual high pressure for 11 minutes, doing a quick release after. Mix in the chocolate chips, butter, dry milk powder, mini marshmallows, and diced walnuts, and mix well.

Line your brownie pan with parchment paper. Spread the fudge batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top off with a knife. Set the pan in the refrigerator for about 3 hours. Then, cut it into square pieces.

Pro Tips For Making Pressure Cooker Fudge

Making Rocky Road Fudge in a pressure cooker is a convenient way to prepare this decadent treat, especially if you don’t want to use a stovetop or microwave. Here are some pro tips for ensuring your Rocky Road Fudge turns out perfect:

Use a Quality Pressure Cooker: Use a reliable pressure cooker, preferably one with a non-stick inner pot, to ensure even heating and easy removal of the fudge.
Use a Pot-in-Pot Method: Instead of cooking the fudge directly in the pressure cooker pot, use a separate, oven-safe container placed inside the cooker. This method prevents the fudge mixture from scorching or sticking to the bottom.
Melt Ingredients Slowly: If you’re melting chocolate and butter, use the sauté or low heat setting first to gently melt these ingredients together before proceeding to the pressure cooking phase.
Stir Frequently: To avoid any ingredient separation or burning, stir your fudge mixture frequently, especially if using the sauté function before pressurizing.
Monitor the Time: Fudge doesn’t take long to cook. Typically, you’ll only need a few minutes of pressure cooking. Overcooking can result in a grainy texture.
Natural Pressure Release: Once the cooking time is done, let the pressure cooker release pressure naturally. This ensures that the fudge doesn’t undergo rapid temperature changes that might affect its texture.
Add-Ins After Cooking: Once your basic fudge mixture is prepared and slightly cooled, stir in your Rocky Road ingredients, such as marshmallows, nuts, and any other add-ins. This prevents them from melting or becoming too soft during the cooking process.
Setting the Fudge: Pour the fudge mixture into a parchment-lined tray or dish. Allow it to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for several hours or until set.
Cutting: Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water to cut your fudge into squares. This makes slicing easier and cleaner.
Store Properly: Store your Rocky Road Fudge in an airtight container in the fridge. It can last up to a week or more, but it’ll likely be eaten long before that!

Remember, as with any recipe, the first attempt might be a learning experience. Adjust ingredients, timings, or techniques based on your preferences and your specific equipment.

FAQ‘s

Is it safe to make fudge in an Instant Pot or Ninja Foodi? Yes, it’s safe. These devices are designed to handle various cooking tasks, including dessert recipes like fudge. Just make sure to follow the user manual’s safety guidelines.

Do I need to adjust the cooking time based on my pressure cooker’s size? Generally, the cooking time for fudge remains the same. However, if you scale up the recipe for larger quantities, monitor closely as slight adjustments might be needed.

Why do I need the pot-in-pot method for making fudge? The pot-in-pot method allows for even heating, ensuring the fudge doesn’t burn or stick directly to the bottom of the main pot.

Can I double the recipe for Instant Pot or Ninja Foodi? Yes, you can, but ensure that you do not fill the inner pot more than half full to allow for the expansion of ingredients and proper pressure build-up.

Why is my fudge grainy? Fudge can become grainy if the sugar isn’t fully dissolved or if the mixture is overcooked. Cooking on a gentle heat and stirring frequently helps prevent this.

How can I make my fudge creamier? Ensure all the sugar is dissolved correctly, and consider using condensed milk or cream in your recipe. Also, do not overcook; it’s better to err on undercooking than overcooking when it comes to fudge.

Can I use the sauté function for melting ingredients? Yes, the sauté function is excellent for gently melting chocolate, butter, or other ingredients. Just remember to stir frequently to avoid burning.

How do I clean the pot after making fudge? The pot-in-pot method should keep your main pot clean. Let the inner pot soak in warm, soapy water to loosen any stuck bits, then scrub gently with a non-abrasive sponge.

Can I add other ingredients to my Rocky Road Fudge? Absolutely! Besides the traditional marshmallows and nuts, consider adding dried fruit, different nuts, or even flavored chips (like peanut butter or butterscotch).

How long should I refrigerate the fudge before it sets? Typically, allowing it to cool to room temperature and refrigerating for 4-6 hours should be sufficient. However, for best results, consider letting it set overnight.

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Equipment Used

Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Sterilizer, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Saute, Yogurt Maker, and Warmer, 6 Quart, 14 One-Touch Programs

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